Outback Tire Size

[BobN]

The OEM spec for my 98 OBL is 205/70-15. Would it cause problems to
substitute 215/70-15?

I am buying a set of Goodyear Tripletreads. According to the dealer's
website, the diameter of the 205 tire is 26.3" and the diameter of the 215
is 26.9".

I absolutely don't want to have problems with these, but wonder if the .6"
extra diameter might work. It would certainly help traction to have the
slightly wider rubber.

Thanks.

 

[ep6757]

The OEM spec for my 98 OBL is 205/70-15. Would it cause problems to
substitute 215/70-15?

I am buying a set of Goodyear Tripletreads. According to the dealer's
website, the diameter of the 205 tire is 26.3" and the diameter of the 215
is 26.9".

I absolutely don't want to have problems with these, but wonder if the .6"
extra diameter might work. It would certainly help traction to have the
slightly wider rubber.

Thanks.

To keep the tire diameter and revs per mile similar when increasing tire
width, one normally goes down in aspect ration. So, have you looked
into 215/65-15's? You can compare sizes at www.tirerack.com.

Ed P

 

[Ed P]

To keep the tire diameter and revs per mile similar when increasing tire
width, one normally goes down in aspect ration. So, have you looked
into 215/65-15's? You can compare sizes at www.tirerack.com.

Ed P

According to tirerack, stock-size 205/70TR15 Triple Treads have a revs
per mile of 793. The 215/65TR15 come in at 803, causing your speedo to
read 1.26% faster. The 215/70TR15 come in at 777 revs/mile, so speedo
would run 2% slower.

Ed P

 

[Tcassette]

Actually, your traction would be decreased under certain situations with
the wider tread, such as ice/snow and other very wet conditions where
weight per square inch can count as much as larger gripping surface.
Because the Tripletreads come in the OEM size and the ones you are
considering have only 0.4-inch wider tread, why ask for problems such as
inaccurate speedometer or possible wheelwell interference when turning?

 

[Dave Morrison]

Actually, your traction would be decreased under certain situations
with the wider tread, such as ice/snow and other very wet conditions
where weight per square inch can count as much as larger gripping
surface.

Assuming tires on a particular vehicle are at the same inflation
pressure, the weight per square inch is the same regardless of the size
of tire. Putting on a wider tire just makes the contact patch wider and
not as deep front to back. Lack of traction on a wider tire comes from a
tendency to ride over water, snow, or ice, rather than cut through it.